Natural Disasters Research Articles

Dalam ANALYSIS OF ISSUES AND PROBLEMS OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KUDUS DISTRICT

In Indonesia's economic development, there are several issues and challenges that need to be addressed to achieve the desired progress. The following paper will explore in more depth the issues and problems of economic development that occur in Kudus Regency. The study conducted in this research uses the literature research method. The results of this research explain that first, national development aims to improve welfare and build a developed country with community participation and government support. However, development failures often stem from structural problems that require comprehensive solutions. Second, economic development in Kudus Regency is influenced by the Covid-19 Pandemic, SDGs, global economic crisis, environmentally friendly economy, natural disasters, and green space control. Third, the solution to improving economic development in Kudus Regency involves granting special autonomy to the regions. Economic diversification, job training, infrastructure improvement, innovation, and transparency in development policies are the key steps to achieve the goal.

Preparing for stormy weather: building VA health system resilience for dialysis emergency preparedness in the era of climate change.

Climate change has been implicated as the driver for the increasing number, intensity, duration, and consequences of catastrophic weather events. As a result of extreme weather events, climate change has also been implicated as an important mediator of adverse kidney health outcomes, not only increasing the risk for the development of acute and chronic kidney diseases, but also disrupting the delivery of critical kidney health services. In particular, the delivery of dialysis services during major emergencies remains an ongoing and increasing problem, with a recognized need for improved emergency preparedness and disaster management (EP-DM) strategies to mitigate the increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with missed dialysis treatment. There are increasing reports detailing the challenges of kidney dialysis care in times of crisis, to include those resulting from both man-made and natural disasters. Optimized management of the high-risk vulnerable dialysis patient population must include both facility-facing comprehensive continuity of operations and emergency response plans, and ongoing patient-facing emergency preparedness education. This review discusses the adverse impact of climate change-related natural disasters on the delivery of dialysis services, and the evolving EP-DM strategies developed and implemented by the Veterans Health Administration (VA) to optimize the care and well being of the vulnerable end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patient population.

Modelling, Analysis and Validation of Hydraulic Self-Adaptive Bearings for Elevated Floating Bridges

Conventional floating bridge systems used during emergency repairs, such as during wartime or after natural disasters, typically rely on passive rubber bearings or semi-active control systems. These methods often limit traffic speed, stability, and safety under dynamic conditions, including varying vehicle loads and fluctuating water levels. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel Hydraulic Self-Adaptive Bearing System (HABS). The system integrates real-time position closed-loop control and a flexible support compensation method to enhance stability and adaptability to environmental changes. A modified three-variable controller is introduced to optimise load response, while a multi-state observer control strategy effectively reduces vibrations and improves traffic smoothness. A 1:15 scale prototype was constructed, and a co-simulation model combining MATLAB/Simulink and MSC Adams was developed to simulate various operational conditions. Results from both experiments and simulations demonstrate the HABS’s ability to adapt to varying loads and environmental disturbances, achieving a 72% reduction in displacement and a 54% reduction in acceleration. These improvements enhance traffic speed, stability, and safety, making the system a promising solution for emergency and floating bridges, providing superior performance under challenging and dynamic conditions.

Geotourism in the City. What can we Learn in Cities about Natural Disasters?

Geotourism in the City. What can we Learn in Cities about Natural Disasters?

Environmental change and floods: the long-ignored effects of displacement on mental health

Although climate change has received significant global attention, there has been a distinct disregard for the issue of psychological well-being. The elevated floods resulting from climate change have substantial impacts on both physical infrastructure and human well-being. This includes the coerced relocation of individuals from their homes, unemployment, setbacks, and the disruption of communities. The occurrence of significant displacement due to major natural disasters, such as the floods in Pakistan in 2022, is linked to varying degrees of anxiety ranging from moderate to severe. The aim of this research is to perform a comprehensive analysis of the topic by utilizing the available literature. The study aims to ascertain the correlation between floods, caused by environmental shifts, and their influence on mental well-being in Pakistan, specifically focusing on the experiences of susceptible communities. Vulnerable populations, including socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, the older adults, individuals with disabilities, and children, are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of severe weather conditions. During natural catastrophes, individuals experience elevated levels of psychological, emotional, and physical stress, which subsequently amplifies their vulnerability to these detrimental consequences.

Supporting Children's Mental Health Needs in Disasters.

Public health emergencies, including climate-related and manmade disasters such as active shooter incidents, occur regularly in the United States. A comprehensive approach is needed to ensure that children's mental health needs are adequately addressed following disasters. This article summarizes the latest evidence on how health systems can effectively address children's unique developmental, social, emotional, and behavioral needs in the context of disasters. To do so requires the integration of mental health considerations throughout all disaster phases, including preparedness, response, and recovery. We discuss the role of traditional emergency response systems and emerging models for responding to mental health crises. These include the national children's disaster mental health concept of operations and specific resources such as crisis lines, mobile crisis units, and telemental health. To achieve a broader reach in addressing children's mental health needs during disasters, health systems can foster a "pediatric disaster system of care" by partnering with community touch points such as schools, faith-based organizations, public health, and law enforcement. Unique considerations during disasters are required to maintain access to care for children with preexisting behavioral health conditions. During disasters, attention is needed to promote equitable identification of mental health needs and linkage to services, particularly for minoritized groups and children living in rural, frontier, and high-poverty areas. Strategies to address children's mental health needs during disasters include the provision of psychological first aid, screening for and triaging mental health needs, and stepped care approaches that progressively allocate higher-intensity evidence-based treatments to children with greater and enduring needs.

The Evolution of China's Domestic Climate Policy Frames (2009–2024): Problems, Solutions, and Motivations

ABSTRACTOver the past decade, The People's Republic of China has increased its influence in global climate governance. Despite the strong interest in policy frames related to climate change at the global level, few studies have explored policy frames within China. This paper therefore adopts a frame analysis to study the evolution in framing of domestic climate policies in China over the period 2009–24. Our research finds that diagnostic frames (the “problem”) identify development pressure, energy sector, and the impacts of natural disasters, pollution and ecosystem damage/change as key issues to be addressed. Prognostic frames (the “solutions”) encompass energy system decarbonization, industry reform, nature‐based solutions, market‐oriented solutions, and international cooperation. The motivational framings (the “ideational motivations”), include green development, ecological civilization, the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), and multilateralism. The study reveals shifts in diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational frames of the national government across three periods.

Geomatics Innovation and Simulation for Landslide Risk Management: The Use of Cellular Automata and Random Forest Automation

Landslides are among the most serious and frequent environmental disasters, involving the fall of large masses of rock and soil that can significantly impact human structures and inhabited areas. Anticipating these events is crucial to reduce risks through real-time monitoring of areas at risk during extreme weather events, such as heavy rains, allowing for early warnings. This study aims to develop a methodology to enhance the prediction of landslide susceptibility, creating a more reliable system for early identification of risk areas. Our project involves creating a model capable of quickly predicting the susceptibility index of specific areas in response to extreme weather events. We represent the terrain using cellular automata and implement a random forest model to analyze and learn from weather patterns. Providing data with high spatial accuracy is vital to identify vulnerable areas and implement preventive measures. The proposed method offers an early warning mechanism by comparing the predicted susceptibility index with the current one, allowing for the issuance of alarms for the entire observed area. This early warning mechanism can be integrated into existing emergency protocols to improve the response to natural disasters. We applied this method to the area of Prunella, a small village in the municipality of Melito di Porto Salvo, known for numerous historical landslides. This approach provides an early warning mechanism, allowing for alarms to be issued for the entire observed area, and it can be integrated into existing emergency protocols to enhance disaster response.

Mangrove Planting on Cemara Beach for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems and reducing the risk of natural disasters can be achieved through mangrove planting activities at Cemara Beach. Mangroves are useful in maintaining ecosystem balance, protecting the coastline from abrasion and absorbing carbon dioxide which can reduce the impact of climate change. Mangrove planting activities involve local communities in the planting and maintenance process, and contribute to improving community welfare and environmentally-based economic development. Mangrove planting activities use seedlings aged 3 to 6 months. Mangrove planting is in a location with a water depth of 10 to 50 cm. The size of the mangrove seedlings planted is 15 to 30 cm. The type of mangrove planted at Cemara Beach is Rhizophora. Mangrove planting activities support SDGs 13, 14, dan 15 tentang climate action, life below water, and life on land.

A scoping review on how field epidemiology training programs are addressing regional and global health priorities

IntroductionRecent global health events underscore the critical need to strengthen public health capacity worldwide, with epidemiologists playing a key role in disease management at the population level. The international community has recognized the importance of enhancing the public health workforce, including epidemiology capacity. This scoping review explores how Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) trainees and graduates have been engaged by their respective health ministries to address public health threats.MethodsA literature search was conducted in electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Google) using specific keywords such as “Epidemiologist,” “Field Epidemiologist,” and “Health workforce.” The search focused on English-language articles published between January 2012 and December 2021. Relevant articles were analyzed descriptively, and data on FETP engagement, impact within health ministries, and career paths were extracted.ResultsThe search yielded 30 studies from various regions globally. FETP graduates and trainees were actively engaged in national health priorities, including COVID-19 responses such as surveillance, rapid response teams, and case investigations. FETPs have significantly contributed by developing surveillance systems, investigating outbreaks, and responding to natural disasters. Many FETP graduates have assumed leadership roles in Ministries of Health, NGOs, and international organizations.ConclusionFETP graduates are integral to priority public health programs and have significantly strengthened public health systems worldwide. Their contributions highlight the importance of investing in the public health workforce, including field epidemiology training, to effectively detect and respond to emerging outbreaks. Further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of FETP graduates on public health.

Evaluating the 3-month post-intervention impact of a supportive text message program on mental health outcomes during the 2023 wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia, Canada

BackgroundIndividuals exposed to wildfires are at risk of developing adverse mental health conditions in the months following the event. Receiving supportive text interventions during and after a wildfire event can have a significant impact on reducing mental health conditions over time.ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a supportive text message intervention service in reducing the severity and prevalence of psychological conditions 3 months following the 2023 wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia, two regions heavily affected by these natural disasters.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, participants voluntarily subscribed to the Text4Hope-AB and Text4Hope-NS services, receiving supportive text interventions for 3 months. On enrolment and at 3 months post-enrolment, participants completed online surveys. The severity and prevalence of mental wellbeing, resilience, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress were measured using the World Health Organization- Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 scale (GAD-7), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Civilians (PCL-C) respectively. Data analysis involved using McNemar’s chi-square test and paired sample t-tests.ResultsA total of 150 subscribers partially or fully completed both the baseline and 3-month assessments. The results show a statistically significant change in the mean scores on the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index (+ 24.6%), PHQ-9 (−17.0%), GAD-7 scale (−17.6%), PCL-C (−6.0%), and BRS (+3.2%) from baseline to 3 months. Similarly, there was a reduction, although not statistically significant, in the prevalence of low resilience (55.1 vs. 53.4%), poor mental well-being (71.6 vs. 48.3%), likely MDD (71.4 vs. 40.7%), likely GAD (42.1 vs. 33.3%), and likely PTSD (42.0 vs. 38.4%).ConclusionThe study’s findings underscore the potential of the supportive text intervention program in effectively aiding individuals who have endured natural disasters such as wildfires. Providing supportive text messages during wildfire events is a promising strategy for mitigating mental health conditions over time.

Comparing new tools of artificial intelligence to the authentic intelligence of our global health students

IntroductionThe transformative feature of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the massive capacity for interpreting and transforming unstructured data into a coherent and meaningful context. In general, the potential that AI will alter traditional approaches to student research and its evaluation appears to be significant. With regard to research in global health, it is important for students and research experts to assess strengths and limitations of GenAI within this space. Thus, the goal of our research was to evaluate the information literacy of GenAI compared to expectations that graduate students meet in writing research papers.MethodsAfter completing the course, Fundamentals of Global Health (INTH 401) at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Graduate students who successfully completed their required research paper were recruited to compare their original papers with a paper they generated by ChatGPT-4o using the original assignment prompt. Students also completed a Google Forms survey to evaluate different sections of the AI-generated paper (e.g., Adherence to Introduction guidelines, Presentation of three perspectives, Conclusion) and their original papers and their overall satisfaction with the AI work. The original student to ChatGPT-4o comparison also enabled evaluation of narrative elements and references.ResultsOf the 54 students who completed the required research paper, 28 (51.8%) agreed to collaborate in the comparison project. A summary of the survey responses suggested that students evaluated the AI-generated paper as inferior or similar to their own paper (overall satisfaction average = 2.39 (1.61–3.17); Likert scale: 1 to 5 with lower scores indicating inferiority). Evaluating the average individual student responses for 5 Likert item queries showed that 17 scores were < 2.9; 7 scores were between 3.0 to 3.9; 4 scores were ≥ 4.0, consistent with inferiority of the AI-generated paper. Evaluation of reference selection by ChatGPT-4o (n = 729 total references) showed that 54% (n = 396) were authentic, 46% (n = 333) did not exist. Of the authentic references, 26.5% (105/396) were relevant to the paper narrative; 14.4% of the 729 total references.DiscussionOur findings reveal strengths and limitations on the potential of AI tools to assist in understanding the complexities of global health topics. Strengths mentioned by students included the ability of ChatGPT-4o to produce content very quickly and to suggest topics that they had not considered in the 3-perspective sections of their papers. Consistently presenting up-to-date facts and references, as well as further examining or summarizing the complexities of global health topics, appears to be a current limitation of ChatGPT-4o. Because ChatGPT-4o generated references from highly credible biomedical research journals that did not exist, our findings conclude that ChatGPT-4o failed an important component in using information effectively. Moreover, misrepresenting trusted sources of public health information is highly concerning, particularly given recent experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently in reporting on the impact of, and response to natural disasters. This is a significant limitation of GenAI’s ability to meet information literacy standards expected of graduate students.

Integrated Justice System in an Unforeseen Contingency: Ensuring Compliance with Health Protocol in Bogor Regency

The government of West Java has applied discretion in interpreting the national disaster regulation through West Java Province Bylaw Number 5/2021. To ensure procedural justice for the society, the bylaw applies fines through a trial court of minor offenses against health protocols violators. The implementation of the bylaw is a manifestation of the theory of an integrated criminal justice system, which, to date, has only been carried out independently. However, in this case, there is an integration in achieving an objective of law enforcement, that is, the prevention of the spread of the pandemic. Thus, this study examines the implementation of the Bylaw involving Indonesian National Police and Civil Service Police in regulating the health protocol. This research uses descriptive qualitative methodology involving triangulation, literature reviews, interviews, and case studies. The results reveal that an integrated judicial system has been implemented and met its objective in ensuring public compliance to health protocols. Yet, a number of issues persists, including using quantitative performance metrics in identifying the target offenders, outdated paperwork methods, teleconferencing judicial processes that are hindered by the existing constitution, and dilemma in either imposing heavy fines or light fines in a society hit hard by an unseen contingency.

Associations between extreme weather events and child undernutrition: evidence from sub-Saharan Africa, 2010–2019

BackgroundExtreme weather events, or natural disasters, present a large and increasing threat to human health, infrastructure and food security, including in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the burden of undernutrition is...

Using Machine Learning Approaches to Enhance Heatwave Measurement for Vulnerability Assessment and Timely Management of Heat-related Health Services

Climate change is one of the most critical challenges facing Australia and the global community today. Data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) indicates that Australia has been experiencing rising temperatures, particularly since the late 20th century. The frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves are projected to continue increasing . Since national records began in 1910, Australia has warmed by an average of 1.47°C (±0.24°C), with the highest official temperature recorded at 50.7 degrees Celsius in Onslow, Western Australia (WA), on January 13, 2022. Furthermore, a recent unprecedented high temperature of +41.6°C was recorded during winter on August 26, 2024, in Yampi Sound, WA. Among all natural disasters in Australia, heatwave (HW) represents a leading silent killer and pose a significant public health threat. However, innovative methods for assessing vulnerability for HW-related health services remain limited.

Когнитивные рефрейминги в предвидении и предотвращении мультиплексных угроз критической инфраструктуре

The article introduces a new cognitive reframing approach to anticipating and preventing multiplex threats to critical infrastructure. In the context of constantly evolving threats, the model may increase the effectiveness of incident prevention strategies. It is visualized as a graph with nodes for concepts of cognitive reframing and edges for the connections between them. The model includes weight values that depend on the importance of each concept, as well as additional importance metrics, coefficients, and interactions. By calculating the edge weights, the authors developed a graph that illustrates the interrelationships between the concepts. The model can be applied to various scenarios as it improves cybersecurity, responds to natural disasters, and ensures the smooth operation of various systems. The model takes into account dynamic factors, multiple importance metrics, interactions, and statistical methods, which makes it flexible and adaptive. Extra factors could increase the complexity, accuracy, and adaptability of the current model. Cognitive reframing has good prospects in the field of critical infrastructure while the new model proves to be an effective threat management tool.

Concepts of infrastructure development in Latin American countries

For the first time in the domestic and international scientific literature, the article analyzes the evolution of concepts of infrastructure development in Latin American countries (LAC), recommendations of international and regional economic organizations. It is noted that conceptual approaches to solving problems of infrastructure development in LAC have changed from dirigiste to neoliberal and from the latter to a combination of various doctrines in the concept of neostructuralism and the theory of sustainable development. All the concepts considered contributed to development of many practical recommendations and to creation of a wide arsenal of state economic policy tools for the development of infrastructure sectors. The attitude of regional organizations and the governments of LAC countries to the infrastructure has changed almost radically: from inattention in the 50s—60s of the last century to understanding its importance as one of the key elements of economic development and social progress. The recommendations concerning infrastructure for protection against natural disasters, transport and logistics, telecommunications and digitalization of the economy are most in demand from Latin American governments.

Climate-Related Emergencies in Pregnancy.

Climate change affects human health broadly and is leading to poor population health outcomes in a number of areas. Among pregnant people specifically, it can contribute to greater risk of health complications. Certain populations are more likely to be exposed to the adverse environmental impacts of climate change, which further amplifies existing health inequities in the United States, including in maternal health. Nurses who work in emergent, acute, and critical care settings must be prepared to care for individuals who are pregnant and experiencing medical emergencies as a result of exposure to extreme heat, air pollution, natural disasters, and infectious diseases that are direct consequences of climate change. To this end, nurses must be ready to recognize, treat, and manage pregnancy complications arising from climate-related conditions, as well as provide patient education on future mitigation strategies and advocacy to reduce its harms.

Critical Care Nursing Response to the Maui Wildfire Disaster: Narrative Review and Case Study.

Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of natural disasters, including the 2023 wildfires in Maui, Hawai'i. The no-notice disaster affected hospital operations at the sole acute care hospital that serves the community, requiring immediate interventions and reallocation of resources. The purpose of this article is to explore the role that critical care nurses play in responding to wildfires. Literature related to the nursing role in managing wildfire injuries and the events on Maui are explored and a case study presented. Results are organized into themes: environmental limitations, disaster response and code triage activation, no-notice preparation for critical care nurses, preparation to increase patient capacity and maintain patient safety standards, hospital staffing and staff affected by the disaster, management of patient care and hospital system operations, and disaster medical tent. Preparation for no-notice events requires critical care nurse involvement to effectively facilitate care for patients affected by disasters.

The Ecological Dimension of Modern European Culture

In the article modern European culture is analysed in an ecological dimension through the model of cultural ecology/ecology of culture. The paradigm of cultural ecology is considered as a way to study the changing relations between culture and the environment in the post-industrial world. The phenomenon of cultural ecology is examined through the prism of genesis in the European and Russian research traditions. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate how modern theoretical concepts of cultural ecology are fulfilled in the EU cultural policy. It is shown that the ecology of culture is the preservation of culture through conservation of nature and overcoming natural disasters. It is demonstrated that trends in the ecologisation of the cultural policy of the EU and the management of European cultural heritage are aimed at joint evolution/coevolution of culture and nature. These trends cancel out their traditional alternative. The need for a unified consideration of environmental and social factors of cultural heritage conservation in the European Union is illustrated by cases of the negative impact of tourism on a number of locations. Modern European culture as a social phenomenon is consistently evolving in the direction of optimising interaction with the nature. The conclusion is drawn that the status of modern European culture in the paradigm of cultural ecology corresponds to modern development of the information society in the version of its Green dimension.